Nobody Owns the Sky: The Story of "Brave Bessie" Coleman

Nobody Owns the Sky tells the inspiring true story of Bessie Coleman, who grew up picking cotton in segregated Texas and dreamed of becoming a pilot at a time when no flight school in America would accept a Black woman — so she taught herself French, moved to France, and earned her international pilot's license in 1921, becoming the first licensed African American aviator. Reeve Lindbergh, daughter of Charles Lindbergh, honors Bessie's memory through lyrical, soaring verse, and Pamela Paparone's bold, vibrant illustrations bring her story to life. This book is a wonderful choice for students because it introduces a trailblazing, largely overlooked hero who defied the double barriers of race and gender with determination and grace — making it a powerful read for any discussion of women's history, Black history, or the power of dreaming big.

Publishing Details

Author : Reeve Lindbergh

Illustrator : Pamela Paparone

Author Nationality : United States

Physical Details

Type of Book: Picture

Cover: Softcover

Pages: 32

Size: 11.4 x 8.7 inches

Year Published: 1998

Instructional Details

Reading Grade Level: 2nd

Genre: Non-Fiction

Sub-Genre: Biography

Theme: Women in History, About POC, Black History, Adventure